Manchester United flop Anthony Martial has explained why he turned down moves to Barcelona and Juventus in the January transfer window as he searched for an exit from Old Trafford.
Martial departed United for Sevilla on a loan deal that will last until the end of the season having failed to find a place in interim manager Ralf Rangnick ’s plans back in Manchester.
The Frenchman has endured a largely disappointing career at United since becoming the world’s most expensive teenager when they signed him from Monaco in 2015.
He has scored just eight goals in all competitions in the past 18 months, becoming a regular on the substitute’s bench in what has been a frustrating spell for both United and Martial.
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In an attempt to gain regular game time, the attacker opted to leave United in the January transfer window.
He had a range of options when picking his next destination, with Juve and Barca both reported to have been interested in him.
Both clubs were prioritising boosting their attacking options in the winter window, with Martial a target for both clubs.
But rather than the Nou Camp or the Allianz Stadium, Martial will be playing his football at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium for the rest of the season.
And he has now explained his decision to snub the European heavyweights in favour of joining a club who have launched an unexpected La Liga title challenge.
“For me it was the right decision because I knew I was going to play and for me playing was the most important thing,” he told Diario de Seville.
“Other big clubs tried to convince me but I preferred to come to Sevilla because I knew that Sevilla was a very good club, a family club. For me it was the right decision.
“It's true. Juventus tried to sign me. I was talking to my agent and told him that I preferred to go to Sevilla. It was the best option for me and my family.
“FC Barcelona spoke with my agent. But as I said, I spoke to my agent and told him: ‘My priority is Sevilla’. And when I say something to someone, I don't change it, I keep my word.
“Seville is playing very good football. He is playing the Europa League, he is second in the League. So for me it's perfect to be here.”
Martial endured a disappointing debut as Sevilla were held to a goalless draw by Osasuna, but insisted that he will quickly adapt to Spanish football and insisted he could extend his stay.
“Everyone needs some adaptation. But I will try to do my best. I talk to the players to try to stay connected to the game,” he added.
“I don't feel the pressure. I have played for Manchester United for almost seven years and there we had a lot of pressure. So I'm used to it. I just want to be happy. That's it.
“Both Sevilla and I have made an effort so that I could come. I have less salary, but I also know that paying my salary is an effort for the club. So we've both made an effort.
“At the moment we are only here four months. I have a contract with Manchester (until 2024). But as I said before, in football you never know.”
